The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama

I have enjoyed all of Gail Tsukiyama’s books, and she did not disappoint me with this one. I felt as if it was not only thoroughly researched for period details (life in Japan during World War II) but also a moving story with vividly drawn characters. Don’t miss it if you would [...]

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

This vastly entertaining novel set in the grimly fascinating Dark Ages asks us to accept a legend that Joan, born into a humble middle class family, rose to become one of the most powerful religious leaders of her time.  In the 9th century women were considered the property of men and had no rights at [...]

An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor

This delightful and endearing book tells the story of young doctor Barry Laverty who starts his first job in the small town of Ballybucklebo, Norhtern Ireland, with his mentor Dr. Fingal F. O’Reilly by his side.  Dr. O’Reilly has a special way of taking care of his eccentric patients; he is not only involved with their [...]

Dance with Me by Luanne Rice

After more than a decade as the owner of a bakery in New York City, Jane comes home to Rhode Island to help her sister with the care of their elderly mother.  Jane meets and falls in love with Dylan Chadwick, the owner of an apple orchard in town.  The orchard belongs to the family [...]

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

This is a fun and sometimes frightening behind the scenes look at life in a traveling circus.  Join young Jacob as his world is turned upside down a week before graduating from college with a degree in veterinary medicine.  As he learns to cope and find a place for himself on the circus train he [...]